In a measure to prevent theft, electronic GPS sensors are being installed on Sifrei Torah at the Kosel following approval from the Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Shmuel Rabinowitz. The project was initiated by the Kosel Heritage Foundation, acting to prevent thefts, which have occurred in the past.

The moment a Sefer Torah is carried outside the Kosel area alarms will sound to alert the security company to the location of the Sefer. The foundation is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the system, which will be used for most of the furniture at the Kosel towards preventing theft.

Over 100 Sifrei Torah that are held by the Kosel Heritage Foundation will be connected to the new high-tech anti-theft system.

No mention is made in the reports regarding the Halachic issues and which rabbonim are involved in permitting the use of the devices.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)